SUVA, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Fiji authorities on Friday suspended the trade of all non-ferrous scrap metal excluding gold, in a bid to curb the theft of public infrastructure for sale as scrap metal which had caused a "deepening national crisis," a senior official said.

"Effective from today (Friday), the trade of all non-ferrous scrap metal will be suspended. Non-ferrous metals include but not are limited to copper, aluminum, nickel, silver, tin, platinum, lead," said Permanent Secretary for Industry and Trade Shaheen Ali.

Recent thefts of public infrastructure "have caused major damage and expense to agencies," said Ali in a press release issued by the Ministry of Information.

The cost to various agencies "runs into millions of dollars," which "results in the general public suffering due to disruption in essential services."

Ali urged the general public and licensed dealers to adhere to the laws regarding scrap metal trade and desist from participating in any illegal activity, including damaging public infrastructure for short term personal gain.

"Any breaches of the law will not be taken lightly and offenders will face prosecution and maximum penalties under relevant laws if found guilty," said Ali.

SUVA Nov 9 Xinhua -- Fiji authorities on Friday suspended the trade of all non-ferrous scrap metal excluding gold in a bid to curb the theft of public infrastructure for sale as scrap metal which had caused a deepening national crisis a senior official said